Parenting Part III: Instruction for Life

Now a word about our words...

Instruction is correction through both words of correction and encouragement.  This type of parent is committed to developing their children in the Lord.  They see it as their job to bring them up. Bringing them up means raising and nourishing them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Parents need to have a plan in place, not a "hope it all turns out OK" approach to parenting. 

Don't miss the opportunity!  Deep within the heart of every person is a longing for their parent’s approval and investment.  All children long to hear their parents say, "I love you, I value you, I believe in you, and I am proud of you."

In every stage of life children want to be valued and loved: 

• The little girl who twirls like a ballerina in front of her daddy wants to be loved.
• The young girl who says,  "mom do you like this outfit?" wants to be loved.
• The bride you walk down the aisle in her flowing white dress wants to be loved.
• The little boy who wants to play catch wants to be loved.
• The young boy who says, "can you teach me?" wants to be loved.
• The young man on his first job wants to be loved.

Do not overlook or abuse this God-given desire within your children who are longing for your investment and approval. Be committed to developing your children in the Lord by being intentional with your words. Words can either build a life or break a life.  Here are some positive examples we should speak often to our children:

• Words of affection— “I love you.”
• Words of reconciliation— “Please forgive me I was wrong.”
• Words of encouragement—“You’re going to do something great.  God’s going to use your life.”
• Words of value— “God has a purpose for your life..” 

Say it now! Do not wait or it may be too late!  Do not hold back what they need today.  Be genuine with your words.  Too often we wait for tragedy or transition to say what we should have already said.  

It is up to us day by day to train our children to handle rejection, handle victory, guard their hearts, work through their emotions,  handle their money, work with people, and work through conflict not run from it.  

Parents are not perfect; they are human and can lose it.  But the parent is not to be in a continual or repetitive pattern of provoking their children and failing to train and instruct them in the Lord through nurturing.

You cannot impart what you do not possess. If you are not walking in submission to God's Word, you can't expect your children to do so. Examine your life as a parent. What needs to change so you can give your children the much-needed words for life. 

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